Home for the Holidays
From staff reports
If you are election-weary and searching for ways to honor the “best” in all of us, consider Four a.m. December 25.
Written and illustrated by the local team of Bill O. Smith and Glenn Wolff, Four a.m. is a holiday picture book that takes the reader around the world at this one wondrous moment, then back home to the United States where a soldier is trying to get home in time for Christmas.
“We wanted to create a beautiful experience for readers,” explains Smith, “and one that delivers a message of hope and joy and love in these troubled times.”
Smith also wanted to honor his father, a World War II veteran. “Dad would be pleased that we’re pledging all profits — 100 percent — to help veterans in need.”
Smith researched the highest rated veteran charities, as designated by Charity Navigator. He wrote to them all, explaining his book project and inviting them to participate. But there was a catch: Smith wrote a real letter with a real signature and a real stamp, and he required interested charities to send him the same in return. “I’m a writer, and I’m old-fashioned,” says Smith. “I like dinner bells and clothes drying on the line — and letters that actually arrive in mailboxes.” He also wrote to several local veterans’ groups.
Four organizations responded with “a real letter and a real stamp.” As a result, all profits will be shared by Air Force Enlisted Village, Our Military Kids, Inc., Air Warrior Courage Foundation, and the local Cherryland VFW Post 2780 Relief Fund. The local VFW Relief Fund is available to any and all veterans in the area, not just VFW members.
“But just as important,” Smith says, “is that we hope Four a.m. stands on its own merits as a beautiful book and story. My dad never defined himself as only a veteran. He was a family man and a devout Christian, and I think he would be happy that Four a.m. honors the true spirit of Christmas.”
Local author Doug Stanton thinks Four a.m. is Smith’s best book yet. “You hear the deep wooden tick of the old clock on the wall, the cat jumps, the house lights up … the journey of this book is wonderful.”
Newbery Award Winner Lynne Rae Perkins agrees. “Sit quietly with Four a.m. and a loved one,” she says. “It rewards the observant reader, and re-reader, with hidden treats and Christmas surprises. Four a.m. is a wonderful gift to veterans, and to all of us.”
Four a.m. December 25 is now available in local bookstores. If you are interested in a personalized inscription, Smith will be sharing Four a.m. at the Glen Arbor Holiday Art Market, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25 and 26, along with his other bestsellers, Chickadees at Night and The Chickadee Spirit. For information, contact Bill O. Smith at 313-515-4328.
